Ok, here I go again. In my many attempts to re-design our
1986 kitchen into a functional space, I have failed. So I am rethinking the
whole project and opening my mind to not just a kitchen remodel, but remodeling
½ of our first floor.

I hope to use the space shown as our current floor plan and
redesign it with the following elements:

Highly functional, open kitchen for five people
(12+) with ample eat-in seating, preferably at an island

Powder room (our current space is 3’x6’ and I
would like it to be a bit bigger)

A separate laundry room where I can have space
for a utility sink, counter space to fold clothing, ironing board and enough
space to hold lots of dirty laundry. I would love to have a pet washing area
for a 75 pound dog, if possible.

Mud room: we primarily access our home through
the garage. We need a mudroom area/room that can accommodate 3 kids with room
for coats, backpacks, shoes and some sports equipment. I prefer it not be
visible from the kitchen. We don’t want it to crowd the garage and patio doors.

Things we are willing to do:

Take down the load bearing wall between the
kitchen and dining room

Have one dining area (either where current
dining room is or in bay window area)

Resize the window in the current kitchen

Move the powder room

Move non-load bearing walls

Things we are not willing to do:

Remove the bay window

Move the patio/back door

Move the kitchen to the front of the house
(current dining room)

Live with a laundry closet/area that cannot be
closed off

I would love to see your ideas for redesigning the space to
accomplish the four items listed above. Any and all feedback will be
appreciated.

Click here for a larger Image.